Gold Beach Diary 2004.....and our plans for 2009

Some 100 Living History enthusiasts and over 30 historic military vehicles
constituted the British Living History Camp at Ver sur Mer, Normandy,
between 4th and 8th June 2004.

We chose Ver sur Mer as it was the main landing point on Gold Beach,
has good facilities (bars, shops, restaurants, a post office and museum)
and spends too much time in the shadow of Arromanches!

Members of the Historical Maritime Society, The Garrison, what became
the Gold Beach Living History Group, the Hampshire Regiment Association
and others arrived at Ouistreham on the late afternoon of Thursday June
3rd 2004. They moved in convoy from Ouistreham to Ver sur Mer, those who
had travelled across as foot passengers being transported by vehicle owners
and drivers already in Normandy, who came to help us. A highlight of this
journey was the drive along the historic Gold Beach King seafront, followed
by the short drive to the camp site through streets of cheering locals.

On arrival at the campsite, after a well deserved beer, everyone set to
pitching tents, preparing dinner and getting displays ready for the following
day.

Friday dawned cloudless, weather that continued for the rest of our stay.
A steady trickle of visitors gave us no clue as to just how many we would
see over the following two days. Our brave and hardworking CMP and INT
Corps detachment manning the gate counted 12000 visitors over Saturday
and Sunday and then gave up counting. They couldn’t count the many
that made their way onto the site from other directions!

In the evening we had arranged a free concert by the band of the
Devon and Dorset’s and Fiona Harrison. They played to a house
packed with both people from the camp and locals, some of whom came
from far and wide. A cheap bar was provided by the local football
club, who obviously underestimated the capacity of our people as more
beer had to be fetched half-way through the evening!

Sunday June 6th was again a scorcher of a day which was
remarkable for three things. First the 16 mile “march” by
our friends from the Hampshire Regiment association to Arromanches and
back to be with their veterans on “the” day. When asked
how they got past the roadblocks that were in place to protect President
Bush, Jim Taylor explained that they simply did a smart right turn and
walked along the beach until the problem was passed! Our MO did a roaring
trade sorting out blisters the following day.

The rest of us participated in a Service of Remembrance in Ver sur
Mer itself. Helped by two buglers from the Devon and Dorset’s
band, the service was attended by veterans and locals – quite
a crowd.

The afternoon of 6th June was spent
in a football match against the local team, recreating events of 60
years before. Despite various subterfuges including sandbagging our
goal, arresting their best player and using a motorcycle on the wing,
the “away team” found themselves 0-4 down at half-time.
Exchanging a player or two (and their kit) and changing to rugby ensured
a very apt 4-4 draw at full time, followed by another bar and barbecue
provided by our hosts. The trophy remains in the America/Gold Beach
museum in Ver sur Mer.

Monday 7th June, the crowds were somewhat less, it being
a normal working day in Normandy. In the evening we were treated to
a farewell meal by the commune of Ver sur Mer, followed by a free dance
open to the public a few paces away from the beach. We were again lucky
to have the Devon and Dorset’s band, this time their swing section,
and Fiona providing the music.

On Tuesday morning 8th June, some of us much the worse
for wear; we had another short ceremony to close the camp before leaving
for the ferry at Ouistreham, fuelling all the vehicles on the way.

Would we do it all again?

You bet, indeed we’re intending to do it all again next year
-2009.

This time we intend to leave Ouistreham on Thursday 4th June at 0900,
the ferry places are already booked.

From then until Tuesday 9th June, things will proceed pretty much
as last time, with these changes.

The camp will NOT be open officially to visitors on Friday 5th June.
We’ll encourage everyone to get out of camp on that day, to
visit their special places or those of their units.

The camp will be open to visitors on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th
June. We expect to have a Remembrance service sometime on the Saturday
and a concert that evening.

Arrangements are in train to have a short mock battle on Sunday 7th
June, supported by 25-pounder guns firing.

On Monday 8th June the camp will NOT be officially open to visitors.
We have provisionally arranged a 50 mile circuit inland with stops
at Bayeux and Tilly sur Suelles for those vehicle owners and living
history participants wishing to go. It is expected that guns representing
124 Field regiment RA will take a small diversion to fire from 65
years on battery positions near Trungy.

How much will it cost me?

Last time we added up all the costs, subtracted the financial support
given by the commune, the local museum and other sponsors, and divided
the remainder between everyone attending, whether with rifle and pack,
jeep or three-tonner. This came to £150 each. We can’t
promise that’s how much it will cost in 2009, but the same principle
will be used and the cost to participants will be kept to a minimum.

So, why should I apply to attend?

It might be opportune to remind everyone of the publication of the
new regulations governing military vehicle owners and re-enactors
in Normandy. For the 65th anniversary, it will be very difficult to
be there without the agreement of the local mayor. This has already
been obtained by us, and will be also for the communes being visited
away from Ver sur Mer.

The author would also like to remind potential participants that
our intention is to have a Living History event at which there are
vehicles, NOT a military vehicle event per se.

Participation in the event is limited to those representing British
military or civilian services during the summer of 1944 in Europe.

During public visiting hours and during Monday’s tour, participants
will be in uniform and the authenticity of that uniform will be paramount,
as required by the new regulations.